Member Spotlight
Get to know IoD members in the North West
Name:
Steve Pegram
Position/company:
Principal Consultant / Stephen J Pegram Consulting
How would you describe your business to a total stranger?
A consultancy specialising in sales and marketing and business development. We enable companies to achieve new levels of growth, value and profitability. We create sales and marketing strategies for several market sectors, using bespoke methods which match the products or services within our client’s working portfolio.
We also offer sales training, media and public relations services, all of which provide a total customer-centric experience.
Your previous roles:
Corporate Vice President North and South America
Hyundai WIA Motor Group, USA
The South Korean based industrial group.
Vice President Sales and Marketing, Director of Distribution. North America
Heller Machine Tools, USA
A privately owned German machine tool company.
Global Key Account Management
DMG Europe Holding GmbH, Germany, and the USA
A high technology machine tool and automation company.
Other information (e.g., other positions held, charity roles):
In December 2020 I returned to the UK following a 16-year residency in the United States where I lived in Chicago Illinois and Auburn Hills Michigan. My intention was to retire but after a period of only six weeks, I began to miss the excitement and social contact of the business world. Having a background in executive business management enables me to support my clients with new levels of business growth and prosperity.
What do you do outside work? (hobbies/interests):
I am a new grandad which is very enjoyable, but also find time for golf, photography and horology.
How long have you been an IoD member?
I have been a member for only 10 months and so I am still finding my feet within this new member led environment.
Why did you join the IoD?
My close friend Martyn Jones is the IoD Lancashire Chair and he explained the benefits of being a member including the services offered. As a learning and networking organisation, the IoD offers a great support hub for any business landscape.
Which parts of IoD membership do you value most?
The technical business support, business information and reports and the networking opportunities. In the future, I would like to become an Ambassador for the IoD, helping with the promotion of ideas, activities and events.
How would you describe your branch area to a total stranger?
I belong to the Liverpool branch of the IoD although most of my activity has been with the Lancashire IoD and its members.
What is the most critical issue for the government to tackle?
The UK government should be focused on progressive business growth including the support for new businesses in the form of tax incentives and higher levels of experienced business advice. I am a little disappointed that the UK still does not have a Minister for manufacturing which would help with the promotion of the UK industrial sectors.
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years’ time?
I would like to still be consulting but perhaps just two days a week. I believe I have achieved the right level of work/life balance. I am very fortunate because I am still very motivated by business activity and find it very rewarding.